Spouses, volunteers tour Dover

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It's not every day that military spouses get a bird's-eye view of the flightline, stand inside of a C-17 Globemaster III, or learn how the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center provides care for families of the nation's fallen heroes.

May 5 was that day for 16 spouses and volunteers who assisted the 512th and 436th Airlift Wing Airman and Family Readiness offices and the 512th AW Key Spouse Program.

The Team Dover tour was coordinated as a way to not only educate the volunteers, but to thank them for their service, said Amy Bright, wife of Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th AW commander.

The 512th and 436th AF & R agencies provide servicemembers, military families and wing leadership with programs and skills helpful in dealing with the unique demands of military life.

The 512th AW Key Spouse Program is a volunteer spouses' organization providing outreach and support services to family members of deployed reservists. This organization works with the AF & R programs to help accomplish their mission.

"This tour not only gave volunteers insight into the Dover mission, but also provided an overview of the Center of the Families for the Fallen and what the staff there does for the families of our fallen heroes," said Mrs. Bright.

The Center for Families of the Fallen at the AFMAO opened here Jan. 6. The 6,000 square foot center offers a comfortable and quiet environment, complete with sitting areas for the families, as well as private rooms that can be used for counseling or meditation. The volunteers learned ways they could assist the center by donating their time or goods.

Janis LaRochelle, wife of Tech. Sgt. Brian LaRochelle of the 512th Mission Support Squadron, said she enjoyed the three-hour base tour.

"I never thought I'd be standing in an air traffic control tower looking at planes on the flightline," said the newly-wed, who has been married a year. "This is awesome. I'm so grateful to get the opportunity to do something like this."

Mrs. LaRochelle has been volunteering with the 512th AF & R for about seven months.

"I wanted to make a difference; do something to help others," she said.

The wing commander extended his appreciation to spouses such as Mrs. LaRochelle.

"Family has a huge impact on our total force capability," said Colonel Bright, who addressed the spouses and volunteers at the event. "Our Airmen are important to us, but so is family, because without their support we wouldn't be able to accomplish nearly as much as we do. We appreciate what you do for us every day."